I spent a summer in the Amazon living with a Waorani tribe in the middle of f-all. No running water, no electricity, just a satellite phone for emergencies (as if they could get me out of there quickly). I brought my kids with me (teens) and it was incredible.

D-Day Spring 2008
3 years false R
Divorce Final 6/7/12

Posts: 697 | Registered: Jan 2012 | From: California

sad12008♀ 18179Member # 18179

Posted: 9:09 PM, June 15th (Sunday), 2014

May seem strange, but I'm proud I've positively impacted others' lives. I influenced someone to go to college who'd previously viewed it as an unavailable option...she's the first person in her extended family to have a college degree; I talked & talked to a young enlisted troop and convinced her that she could absolutely go to college & become an officer...she's going to make colonel I'm sure and honestly I think the sky's the limit if she's willing to stay in...this despite a bad early marriage & two kids before she was 20; I've helped a few young women with extremely difficult life decisions and they've given me their thanks. I've had some tough breaks thrown my way, but I am thankful I've helped others.

You can't fill a cup with no bottom.

Posts: 4146 | Registered: Feb 2008 | From: a new start together

MartlArts♀ 36130Member # 36130

Posted: 9:58 AM, June 16th (Monday), 2014

Sad2008 - I think your drive/ability to help influence others in a positive way is awesome! That is something we all should strive to do.

excerpt from an awesome quote "Forgiveness - the finishing of old business that allows us to experience the present, free of contamination from the past."

3 marathons, 3 triathlons...
I also go to boot camp fitness training and I never step out of class, unlike some 25 year olds and people half my age.

but this summer, I'm making a Elsa costume for my 6 year old niece and I'm so happy to do this for her.

[This message edited by rachelc at 10:00 AM, June 17th (Tuesday)]

Posts: 7613 | Registered: Dec 2010 | From: Midwest

still2suspicious♀ 31722Member # 31722

Posted: 12:46 PM, June 17th (Tuesday), 2014

Just as I thought!!

There are many truly amazing people here on SI!!

One more for myself

I am THE best gramma for my DGD!!! She has divorced (read NOT amicable) parents, both remarried, with half and step-siblings, parents who live 200 miles apart, and has been to 3 different schools in the last 3 yrs.

We are, and have always been, there for her. And as she is entering "teenage-dom" she now knows we will continue to always be here for her. I am her go-to person. Absolutely love it!!!

Me: BS
Him: WH
DDay: LTEA

Posts: 1537 | Registered: Apr 2011 | From:

Bobbi_sue♀ 10347Member # 10347

Posted: 4:10 PM, June 23rd (Monday), 2014

I started college at age almost 30, when I had few resources, and three very young children, of them a new born and one a two year old. Somehow I found a way to keep going forward with that and met my goal of being certified to teach school by the time the youngest started kindergarten.

I earned a Ph.D. in 2010. I encountered many rather significant obstacles since I started it in 2005, but I stuck with it and finished it. But the thing that I am proudest of is my children. I'm not even sure I can take credit for who they are, but I am sure proud that I am their mother.

Posts: 6409 | Registered: Apr 2006

Jeaniegirl♀ 6370Member # 6370

Posted: 4:18 PM, June 23rd (Monday), 2014

I worked (with others) for 5 years to free an innocent man from death row after he contacted me personally through the mail to help him. Met him in person and just knew he was telling the truth. DNA proved beyond a shadow of a doubt he was innocent and the guilty party WAS apprehended and tried and convicted. The innocent man was released, married and has a beautiful daughter now and is a very productive member of society. The day we walked with him out of that prison was a very happy day.

Another highlight of my career was being one of nine women selected from the USA to work at the United Nations "Conference for Women and Girls" for one week, writing and passing a resolution about the treatment of "women and girls" incarcerated in prisons world-wide. Canada and Turkey joined with us to get the resolution passed.

"Because I deserve better"

Posts: 1171 | Registered: Feb 2005

theroadahead♀ 43334Member # 43334

Posted: 8:24 PM, June 23rd (Monday), 2014

One of the things I am most proud about is that I have been a surrogate. I have helped 3 amazing couples start a family. There is nothing more beautiful than to see a couple that has been struggling with infertility finally have their dream come true. I have been blessed to have been part of something so amazing.